HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN MARTIN COUNTY EXTENDS HOURS TO OFFER HEPATITIS A VACCINATION

HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN MARTIN COUNTY EXTENDS HOURS TO OFFER HEPATITIS A VACCINATION

Martin County, FL –   The Health Department in Martin County is urging good hand-washing and vaccination to stop the spread of Hepatitis A in the community. The Health Department has confirmed 19 cases of Hepatitis A in Martin County and 3 deaths associated with complications from the virus.

The Hepatitis A vaccine is available in the community via health care providers and local pharmacies. The Florida Department of Health in Martin County is offering the Hepatitis A vaccine free of charge for uninsured or underinsured adults (ages 19 and older) on a walk-in basis, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, 3441 SE Willoughby Blvd., Stuart. Appointments are also available by calling: 772-221-4000 and pressing option 3 for Immunizations.

Extended Hours: Thursday, April 18, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

The Health Department in Stuart at 3441 SE Willoughby Blvd., is extending its hours on Thursday, April 18 to offer the Hepatitis A vaccine free of charge for uninsured, underinsured and at-risk adults (ages 19 and older) on a walk-in basis from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.

General Information:

Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver disease. While normally not fatal, persons with chronic disease, compromised immune systems and senior citizens are more likely to experience a severe illness, leading to liver failure and possible death.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of Hepatitis A should contact their healthcare provider for evaluation and testing.

The investigation into the possible modes of transmission for Hepatitis A in Martin County continues. The Health Department is utilizing local, regional and state resources in this investigation. An investigation includes interviews with confirmed cases to gather lifestyle information, including food histories, that can help to pinpoint common links.

Since January 2018 there have been more than 1,300 confirmed cases of Hepatitis A statewide. The Florida Department of Health considers a community “high risk” when the confirmed number of cases reaches 5. Martin County reached high risk status with 5 confirmed cases as of Monday, April 1.

Additional Resources:

The Florida Department of Health has launched an information line, email box and a website to address general questions about Hepatitis A.

  • Hepatitis A, Information Line:

1-844-CALL-DOH (1-844-225-5364) available Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

 

 

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